But Apple doesn't own the corner on using an open floor design and it certainly didn't invent the idea of minimalism. And any retail store that sells phones and gadgets is going to have tables for playing with them. Microsoft stores do.

Samsung recently opened its first North American retail store in Burnaby's Metropolis at Metrotown, Vancouver, British Columbia and it can't be denied that it does resemble an Apple Store with its open floor space, demo tables, and blue-shirted staff.